(BPT) - At 32 years of age, Jessica “Jess” McNair experienced what doctors described as “cascades of multiple strokes” resulting from irregularly formed arteries in her neck. With a bleak prognosis, McNair's team of doctors predicted she had a 5 percent chance of living, and that it would be…

(BPT) - Puberty is a transformational time for girls that comes with unique challenges in physical, mental and emotional forms. Between trying to manage increasingly complex emotions, adjusting to their evolving bodies and navigating social changes, it’s no wonder half of girls lose confiden…

(BPT) - Persistent dry cough. Fatigue. Shortness of breath. These symptoms are sometimes associated with a passing virus, especially during the peak of cold and flu season. Coughs can last an average of 18 days; however, if your dry cough is still lingering after two months, another conditio…

(BPT) - When it comes to real estate, you've probably heard kitchens and bathrooms typically sell houses. While you may not have enough money for a kitchen remodel, adding a bathroom can be a more affordable way to enhance your property and catch buyers' attention.

(BPT) - Pet owners will do just about anything they can to keep their furry friends happy and healthy, which is why the vast majority of pet owners say they’re concerned about the ingredients in their pet’s food. Based on a quality and safety Purina survey conducted in 2017, 84 percent of pe…

(BPT) - When it comes to vaccines this time of year, influenza is often top-of-mind — and it should be, with as many as 35 million cases expected this flu season. But as you age, don’t neglect the shingles vaccine.

(BPT) - In the winter, we tend to be in closer quarters indoors and constantly around friends and family. It is important to be conscious of infectious diseases, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which are spreading rapidly among public places like gyms and schools.…

(BPT) - When looking ahead to the rest of the year, so many get excited about the latest trends, gadgets or gizmos getting the most attention as they look for what they might be interested in for themselves or their family. The world of health and fitness is an area that is always evolving t…

(BPT) - If you’re like many Americans, retirement planning may not be high on your ”to-do” list. When life is busy and you’re shouldering the burden of looking out for yourself and your family, setting up a retirement plan can slide down the priority list — especially if you’re hoping it wil…

(BPT) - Are supplements part of your daily routine? If they are, you're not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than half of all Americans take one or more supplements in their quest for better health. That's because even if you have an ultra-healthy diet (and many pe…

(BPT) - Whether it's a hot drink of honey, lemon and brandy, or a steaming bowl of chicken soup, many families have age-old home remedies, passed down through the generations, that they still use today when winter kicks into high gear. Grandma knew a thing or two about soothing a sore throat…

(BPT) - If you’ve ever considered getting your MBA, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is it worth it? It’s a fair question, particularly as going back to school as an adult often requires shuffling your priorities so you can make time for class and assignments.

(BPT) - There are those who meticulously decorate dozens of petit fours for a dinner party, set up a photo station and even offer a gift bag. And there are those who may want to do all of that, but don't have the time or the creative flair. But that doesn’t mean their party can’t have that “…

(BPT) - Whether you're expecting your first child or you've been around the baby block a few times before, there are always a lot of questions when preparing for parenthood. Feeding often tops the list, leaving moms puzzled at which are the best ways to nourish their little ones.

(BPT) - Women represent as much as $20 trillion globally in annual consumer spending, yet many of their health needs remain unaddressed by the healthcare market. One large need that has been almost entirely ignored is feminine digital health. To date, women’s health accounts for just 4 perce…

(BPT) - When Jaylah Martinez has a paintbrush in hand, it’s like a conduit between the emotions inside Jaylah and the canvas. Like many teens, the budding artist has voiced big dreams for her paintings and art. In Jaylah’s case, she envisions them displayed in a modern art gallery in Los Angeles.

(BPT) - Unemployment is at its lowest point since 1969 and job openings are at a 17-year high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a tightened labor market the competition for candidates with the right skill set is soaring. Yet, many workers lack the skills necessary to pursue …

(BPT) - Just try to walk by an unfinished jigsaw puzzle without stopping. It’s almost impossible and in fact, nearly half of all Americans puzzle for fun, to relax or to relieve stress. Families puzzle together as a winter tradition. Millennials puzzle to connect with each other and disconne…

(BPT) - The chill, the dryness, the itch: As temperatures drop, winter can wreak havoc on your skin. Fortunately, you can fight winter's wrath by taking a few smart, proactive steps.

(BPT) - Looking for a cure for the winter blues? Start making plans for the summer. Having something fun to look forward to — such as days off and family trips — can make those dreary days more bearable. One thing you’ll want to add to your summer planning list is finding a great summer camp…

(BPT) - The high cost of prescription medications is an ongoing health crisis for millions of Americans who are desperate for relief.

(BPT) - Jan. 1 marks the official start of the new year and is our annual reminder to set resolutions, such as eating healthier, practicing mindfulness, getting organized or finally joining a gym. It’s the perfect excuse to hit the reset button to lead a healthier lifestyle.

(BPT) - The new year is often a time filled with self-reflection and thoughts of personal transformation, prompting individuals to start hitting the gym, eating right and reconnecting with old friends. However, New Year’s resolutions can often be short-lived, frequently not even lasting thro…

(BPT) - More than 155 million U.S. workers are insured for a disability through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. They receive this insurance coverage through their payroll taxes, or FICA taxes, as a part of the Social Security program.

(BPT) - Sharing a fresh batch of cookies with family and friends is the perfect way to warm up a wintry day. Some bakers dare to experiment with new recipes, while others stick with old favorites. Yet, even the tried-and-true recipes don’t always turn out right.

(BPT) - From healthy lifestyle changes to productive habits, there are plenty of New Year’s resolutions that can start your 2019 off on the right foot. Homeowners can extend those resolutions to include keeping the house in tiptop shape — and keeping out unwanted visitors. The pest managemen…

(BPT) - In the world of healthy eating, chrono-nutrition has a long-standing history, and shines a spotlight on the time of day you eat being just as important as what you eat. The new year provides the opportunity to reflect on nutrition goals and to determine how to better optimize health …

(BPT) - As health-conscious people worldwide are understanding more about how their digestive processes make them feel, they’re turning to prebiotic foods to improve their well-being.

(BPT) - Sadness and grief are normal human emotions. These feelings can often last for a short period of time. However, when these emotions last for many days or weeks, depression becomes a concern.

(BPT) - The winter months are known as a leading cause of indoor stir-craziness. Colder temperatures, rain, sleet, snow and shortened daylight hours all mean we spend more time inside than we would like.

(BPT) - Donating to local food banks is one way to ensure that everyone in your community feels the warmth this winter. With this mission in mind, Dole Packaged Foods launched its “Let Sunshine In, Drive Hunger Out” hunger relief campaign, in partnership with Kroger and American Idol winner …

(BPT) - Lab tests play a significant role in detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases. Clinical decisions are often guided by test results — results such as those that indicate whether a patient is having a heart attack or needs a medication adjustment, whether a patient is a candidate …

(BPT) - When you look at your home's interiors, do you find yourself craving a refresh? If so, there's no better time than the New Year to update your home with thoughtful design touches that embrace the power of color.

(BPT) - Stress. No one wants it but we all experience it from time to time. Higher levels of stress can cause problems at work and at home. But stress is not just hard on your mental well-being, it is hard on your body and can lead to many negative health outcomes.

(BPT) - Gatherings with loved ones, the smell of fresh pine, crackling sounds from the fireplace and glowing lights wrapped around the tree — the holiday season is supposed to be the happiest time of the year. And yet for many veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic br…

(BPT) - Ever since the dawn of credit reporting, the information has looked relatively the same. Your lenders reported information to one, two or all three of the national credit reporting companies (CRCs) based on your most recent loan payment activities and balances.

(BPT) - For pediatric patients, being in the hospital can be a frightening, vulnerable and lonely experience, especially for those undergoing serious medical treatments. Struggling with illness can rob kids of the simple joys of childhood. However, research has shown that dogs, with their pl…

(BPT) - If you're thinking of adding a four-legged member to your family, you'll be rewarded with the special kind of loyalty and unconditional love only dogs can bring. But not every dog is the ideal match for every family. It's important to choose a new best friend that fits with your life…

(BPT) - Each day we are bombarded with heaping helpings of health headlines — the latest, must-know, must-do health advice. Sometimes the tips seem obvious; but often, it’s quite difficult to understand what will produce health benefits — especially when headlines and social media can make l…

(BPT) - Most people have a personal connection to cancer. In fact, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer this year. But there are several lesser-known types of cancer that many people do not know about which can make diagnosis and treatment decisi…

(BPT) - The holiday season presents the opportunity to pause and express gratitude to those that have touched our lives. For former dialysis patient and recent kidney transplant recipient Ingrid Codrington, her biggest “thank you” is to a woman who changed her life when she needed it the most.

(BPT) - Amidst a frenzy of holiday parties and family gatherings, it can be easy to lose sight of your financial goals. But the end of the year is an ideal time to reflect on your financial plan and review your savings and investing approach. Before you say goodbye to 2018, take these steps …

(BPT) - In the new year, lots of people will make resolutions to get healthier. When it comes down to it, no one is in charge of your health but you. Sure, you can use technology to track some health issues, but that will only get you so far. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to ensure y…